With boating season in full swing, Delmarva Power reminds boaters to be alert and watch for electrical equipment. Both underwater cables and overhead power lines can pose potentially life-threatening situations to unprepared boaters. Boat masts, spars, outriggers and antennas that extend into the air, or are raised into the air, can come in contact with power lines and cause serious injury, said Robert Gregory, Delmarva Power Safety Coordinator. Whether you are moving your boat through a marina or loading supplies at a bait and tackle store, be aware of your surroundings.

• Avoid contact with overhead electrical wires by checking the clearance before raising or lowering your mast or spar.
• Do not haul or sail your boat unless you have at least 10 feet of clearance between the highest point of your boat and the lowest point of the power line.
• Consider tides when determining clearances. Low tide clearances may be inadequate at high tide.
• Keep all drying sails and sheet lines from blowing into power lines.
• Remove or lower antennas or flags from large cruise vessels and sailboat hulls before transporting your boat over land. Know the total height of your trailer and boat with and without the mast up.
• Be careful when pulling your sailboat onto the beach or when docking between waterways.
• Always look for overhead power lines and, when anchoring, be aware of underwater cables.
• Watch out for overhead electrical wires when removing your boat from the water.
• Ask another person to direct you so that you can safely clear the power lines.
• For more information, check Delmarva Power Tips For Sailing Safety.